Oh boy, July was another month that was full of surprises. For the first three weeks of the month, I was battling some severe nausea off and on due to some of the medicines I am on. Luckily, I was able to deal with it with peppermints, some over the counter medications, and a whole lot of prayers. Then the day after I posted Pains, Plans and Prayers my stomach issues stopped. I thank God for that.
I had my sixth month evaluation with my therapist. The good news is I am making progress with my therapy. I am working on being less angry, building self-confidence through exercising, and saying positive things to myself by using a technique called “thought stopping.” Let me give you an example of how this works. I was going on a walk, and my mind started to worry about my next vacation. On my last vacation I had problems with my state ID being accepted at the security checkpoint. I decided to apply for my passport as a backup. As I was walking my mind started to race. “What if I did not get my passport in time?” “What if my ID did not work again and I could not leave?” At this point I told my brain to stop. I was on my daily walk, and I was not at the airport. I had already applied for my passport, and I am patiently waiting for it. All I have is today which is full of God’s grace. The very next day my passport was in the mailbox. It really is in God’s perfect timing.
God is showing me how to have peace in more ways than one. One day my grandpa came to me and told me he found a dead snake in the gutter. Since he was busy helping a neighbor, he asked me to pick the snake up with a big shovel and throw it in the woods. I am terrified of snakes. I walked out into the yard and called my best friend. I complained for at least five minutes of how scared I was and how much braver his daughters and he was. He reminded me that standing there looking at the animal and not taking care of what my grandpa asked of me would only prolong the process. I mustered up the courage and gave the snake a nice burial. I felt great that I faced my fear, but later that day the Holy Spirit reminded me, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6.)
Another example of peace was when I had to walk home with Duke from the groomers. I was scared. The last time I walked Duke home the neighbors came after me thinking that Duke was lost. Then the neighbor took me to the wrong grooming center. This time I was determined to walk Duke home by myself. Duke’s still working on learning how to walk calmly on a leash. Duke did great on his walk. I felt good about the walk too.
The last example I can give about learning how to walk in peace is a friend of my is having a lot of medical tests going on to find out what is going on with his hip and back. Instead of panicking on the days he has an appointment I pray for him, and I ask Jesus to keep me calm. I have learned that worrying is not going to make the appointment go by any faster nor will it change the outcome of his appointment. Praying and staying calm is the best I can do.
When I stop and look around, I can see God’s goodness. I was able to enjoy a shopping trip to the mall. I was able to get a few items that I needed for my upcoming trip.
In the world of business, I made three keychain orders. I am so happy that my butterflies love my keychains.
How was July for you? Let me know down in the comments below.
Harris' InkWell 
When we first met, you said you were floundering. In the past year you have harnessed some power, charted a course, have a crew helping, and are moving. Congratulations. Well done. 😎👨🦽
Thank you.
That’s great news on the improvements in therapy